Prototype of the Month: Russell Schwartz

Mike Collette • March 29, 2023
A prototype of the month certificate for russell schwartz

The criteria and standards that we look for when our team puts in their nominations for  Prototype of the month are Coachability, Caring, and Community and in our opinion, Russ encompasses all three of those qualities handily. Congratulations Russ!

1.) Share your experience at Prototype: 

     I initially got involved with prototype in 2012/2013 when Mike and Brian asked me to teach an introductory boxing class. Once I got the taste of what Prototype had to offer, I became a member.  

The trainers and members of prototype are a unique group. There is a community feel and sincere, inclusive vibe and environment that makes it easy and fun to show up day after day. 

It has been enjoyable for me to see the evolution and growth of the coaches and members over the last 10 years. Those who started with me in the early days who were very young, have grown, evolved, matured, and have started families of their own. 

2.) What is your favorite part about being at Prototype? 

I have experienced many CrossFit gyms over the years. Each box has its own individual personality. What is most enjoyable for me at Prototype, is to come to a box that is clean, well-run, reasonably competitive, and friendly.  For those of you who have visited other boxes, these characteristics are not a given.  

Everything at prototype is geared toward meeting reasonable and safe expectations of the coaches and members.  

3.) What are your hobbies and activities? 

I enjoy boating, water skiing and playing drums. 

Rhonda and I enjoy traveling. 

4.) How has Prototype helped you or solved a problem for you? 

Over the years, I had several back surgeries. I was scheduled for my 4 th surgery after 2 failed disc surgeries in 2018 when Mike put a team together including a physical therapist, chiropractor and Mike as trainer, to attempt to partially resolve my back trouble short of surgery.  Mike did the research and came up with a plan.   He executed the plan and worked with me and the team for 6 months. At the conclusion, Mike was able to create enough stability in my core, to completely eliminate my sciatic back pain and the need for the 4 th surgery.  When I called to cancel the surgery, my doctor was speechless. 

5.) What are you continuing fitness goals to this point? 

Each year around my birthday, I pick a CrossFit movement goal to achieve. First it was handstand holds.  Another year it was handstand push-ups.   My last birthday goal was to learn short distance handstand walks.  

In May I will turn 60.  This year’s birthday goal is to learn how to string butterfly pullups and maybe execute 1 ring muscle up … Time will tell.    

6.) Favorite Quote 

“Walking in the door to a CrossFit box is the hardest part.”

-The Prototype Team



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Tim has been an incredible part of our community — always positive, funny, generous, and willing to help. His energy makes everyone around him better. Prototype of the Month is well deserved! Below he answers some questions about his time at PTS. 1.) Share your experience at Prototype This actually isn’t my first stint at Prototype - I’ve been around and worked out here a few times in my heyday. My very first legitimate class though, as a member, was 5am earlier this year and I was welcomed first by Nicole. You can all imagine how that interaction went… and I came back! Prototype is welcoming, fun, clean, and I’ve made amazing friends along the way. It is one of the best hours of my day. 2.) What is your favorite part about being at Prototype? Prototype is not just another workout but a mental reset for me, it fills my cup. 3.) What are your hobbies and activities? Activities mostly involve time with my family outside whenever we can, trips to Ptown and traveling all over for work. I have a hard time sitting still and typically keep a busy schedule. Mix in photography and interior design opportunities with fitness and family and I’d say that's my perfect mix. 4.) How has Prototype helped you or solved a problem for you? I work remotely so in person face to face conversation is something I’ve found I need for my mental health. I’m also super competitive so I tend to push a little harder when I workout with others. 5.) What are you continuing fitness goals to this point? I want to be a parent who can show up for their kids in every aspect of life, which also means physically. Staying fit is important to be able to keep up with them as we collectively get older. I am training for a few Hyrox races coming up but mostly just trying to maintain my current level of fitness for as long as possible. 6.) Favorite Quote “There is only one success - to be able to live your life in your own way” -Fortune Cookie
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